WNEG-TV

NORTHEAST GEORGIA - Public health officials are advising caution during extreme temperatures in Georgia. According to Dave Palmer with District 2 Health in Gainesville, "A few simple precautions can make your outdoor activity more enjoyable and your summer safer. Heat-related disorders include heat rash, fainting, heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.”

TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID HEAT-RELATED DISORDERS

GAINESVILLE, GA – Warmer temperatures have arrived in northeast Georgia and as temperatures increase, so does the need to protect yourself from the heat. David Westfall, M.D., Health Director, District 2 Public Health stresses, “A few simple precautions can make your outdoor activity more enjoyable and your summer safer. Heat-related disorders include heat rash, fainting, heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.”    

Here are a few tips:
Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated; water and sports drinks are best. 
Avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine because they actually rob your body of fluids.
Limit time in the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you must work outside, take frequent breaks in the shade.
Encourage children to play in shaded areas during midday.
Wear light-colored, light-weight protective clothing.
Watch for symptoms of heat stress. Heat stress indicators are:
Headache, heavy perspiration,
high pulse rate, and
shallow breathing.
Beware of cloudy days; 80% of the sun’s rays penetrate clouds.
Be careful of high altitudes and areas around water where sunburn occurs more quickly.
Use plenty of appropriately rated SPF sunscreen.
Car safety: NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN VEHICLES.

Additional Information:

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp